volontaire

voluntary, intentional

adjective noun voh-lohn-TEHR Less Common

Origin: Latin voluntarius

Also means

volunteer (noun)

Usage Note

Volontaire functions as both adjective ('voluntary, deliberate') and noun ('a volunteer'). As an adjective, un geste volontaire means a deliberate act. As a noun, les volontaires are volunteers. The adverb is volontairement (deliberately / voluntarily). Do not confuse with bénévole, which specifically means an unpaid volunteer worker.

Examples

"Sa participation est entièrement volontaire."

Natural Translation

His participation is entirely voluntary.

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